Wild yams can come in various colors, including yellow, purple, ivory, or white. They’re long and cylindrical and, most of the time, have offshoots that are referred to as “toes” and have a rough and scaly exterior. When cooked, yams have a starchy texture. They possess an earthy taste and can either be creamy or firm, depending on the variety.

List of known nutrients

Calcium

Carbohydrates

Carotene

Copper

Dietary Fiber

Folates

Iron

Magnesium

Manganese

Niacin

Pantothenic Acid

Phosphorus

Potassium

Protein

Pyridoxine

Riboflavin

Selenium

Sodium

Thiamin

Vitamin A

Vitamin C

Vitamin E

Vitamin K

Zinc

Medicinal uses for wild yams

Wild yams can provide protection against cardiovascular diseases. Since it’s a good source of Vitamin B6, it promotes stronger and healthier blood vessels. This mineral is responsible in breaking down a substance called homocysteine that damages blood vessel walls. High levels of homocysteine are linked to an increased risk of heart disease and stroke, so high intakes of this mineral should keep you safe from heart attacks.

Additionally, the potassium found in these tubers are helpful in controlling blood pressure. Most people today have diets that are high in sodium and low in potassium (not enough fruits and vegetables). The deficiency in potassium can lead to a spike in blood pressure. By incorporating wild yams in your diet, you should be able to properly regulate your blood pressure, which is another risk factor of cardiovascular diseases.

Yams are more popularly known for their antispasmodic properties, making them ideal for menstrual cramps, muscle aches, poor circulation, pain, inflammation, and abdominal and intestinal cramping. These crops have been long used to improve women’s reproductive health. They are known to have a positive effect on premenstrual syndrome and menopausal problems.

These are ideal for all kinds of muscular spasm and colic, like bilious and intestinal colic, ovarian and uterine pain, and flatulence. They also have positive effects on rheumatoid arthritis, neuralgia, poor circulation, restlessness, and nervousness. Regular consumption can stimulate bile flow, which is good in relieving hepatic congestion, bilious colic, and gallstones.

Because wild yams can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, it follows that they indirectly help the liver. Anti-inflammatory properties will help in treating rheumatoid arthritis as well as inflammatory conditions of the bowel. Yams can also soothe painful conditions of the urinary tract.

Body systems supported by wild yams

Wild yams contain antioxidants and Vitamin C — two powerful substances that can promote faster wound healing, bone health, and improved immune system. The small amounts of vitamin A and carotenes help in ensuring the eyes stay healthy and provide protection from lung and oral cavity cancers.

These tubers are also rich in the B-complex group of vitamins. With sufficient amounts of pyridoxine, thiamin, riboflavin, folates, niacin, and pantothenic acids, you will be able to improve metabolic functions of the body. One of them is blood circulation. The copper found in wild yams help produce more red blood cells, which are responsible for transporting nutrients to different parts of the body. Similarly, the potassium present in these crops help control blood pressure and cholesterol, protecting the heart along the way.

Ways to use wild yams

Wild yams can be wildly delicious especially if you know how to incorporate them in your dishes. You can use them to make puddings, casserole, dumplings, dips, and other desserts. Check out these yummy yam recipes.